Recent Violence in Gaza

The term "Palestinian health officials" primarily refers to the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), established in 1994 following the Oslo Accords and the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The MoH is the principal government body responsible for healthcare provision in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, serving about 40% of primary healthcare visits through its facilities, alongside UNRWA, NGOs, and private providers[1][5]. Its mandate includes managing hospitals, primary health clinics, and public health programs, and it plays a critical role in health system reform and development amidst ongoing political and economic challenges. Since its inception, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has overseen significant rebuilding of the health infrastructure, increasing government primary health clinics from 207 to 365 between 1994 and 1998, expanding hospital capacity, and developing national health information systems and insurance schemes[1]. Donor aid has been crucial, with over $350 million committed from 1994 to 1999, supporting infrastructure, human resource development, and health policy formulation[1]. The MoH also coordinates with other key health actors including UNRWA, which serves Palestinian refugees, and various NGOs. Several Palestinian health organizations operate alongside the MoH, such as the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) founded in 1979, which provides community-based health services with a focus on social change and youth empowerment, and the Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC or AWDA), linked politically to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and active particularly in Gaza[2][3]. These NGOs often combine healthcare delivery with advocacy, human rights documentation, and community mobilization. The health sector faces severe challenges due to political instability, economic constraints, and Israeli restrictions. The fragmentation of territory and governance complicates service delivery and financing, with the PA suffering fiscal crises that limit MoH expenditures[5]. Israeli military actions have targeted health organizations like the Health Work Committees, which

## Overview The **Israel Defense Forces (IDF)** is the national military organization of Israel, responsible for the country’s defense across its land, air, and sea domains[5][9]. Established in the wake of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the IDF is renowned as one of the world’s most technologically advanced, battle-tested, and adaptable armed forces[6][7]. Its operations span conventional warfare, counterterrorism, intelligence, and cybersecurity, reflecting Israel’s complex security environment and its emphasis on rapid mobilization and preemptive defense[5]. ## History and Formation The IDF was officially created on May 26, 1948, just two weeks after Israel’s declaration of independence, by order of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion[1][5]. It unified several pre-state Jewish paramilitary groups—notably the Haganah, Irgun (Etzel), and Lehi—into a single national army[1][2][6]. This unification was not without conflict, as evidenced by the Altalena Affair, a violent confrontation between the IDF and Irgun over arms shipments, which ultimately cemented the IDF’s monopoly on force[1][4]. The IDF’s initial ranks included veterans of World War II, Holocaust survivors, and local recruits, forging a diverse and determined core[2][3]. ## Key Achievements The IDF’s most significant early achievement was its victory in the 1948 War of Independence, repelling invasions by multiple Arab armies despite being outnumbered and under-equipped[3][6]. The war established Israel’s territorial integrity and set the stage for the IDF’s doctrine of proactive defense and rapid mobilization[5]. Over the decades, the IDF has played pivotal roles in conflicts such as the Six-Day War (1967), Yom Kippur War (1973), and numerous counterterrorism operations. ## Current Status Today, the IDF is a technologically

Hamas, short for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), is a Palestinian fundamentalist Sunni Islamist militant organization and political party founded in Gaza in 1987 during the first Palestinian intifada. It originated as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood and has since become the largest and most capable militant group in the Palestinian territories, particularly governing the Gaza Strip since a 2007 military coup against its rival Fatah party[1][2][3]. Hamas's core mission is the armed resistance against Israel, seeking to replace Israel with an Islamic Palestinian state. It has consistently rejected recognition of Israel and opposed peace agreements made by the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Militarily, Hamas operates through its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which has conducted numerous attacks including suicide bombings, rocket barrages, and tunnel infiltrations. Over decades, Hamas has been responsible for killing hundreds of Israelis in hundreds of attacks, including notable incidents like the 2001 Sbarro restaurant bombing[1][2]. Politically, Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, disrupting Fatah's dominance and consolidating control over Gaza by 2007. Despite its governance role, Hamas remains designated as a terrorist organization by many countries including the U.S., Canada, and the European Union due to its tactics and refusal to renounce violence[1][2][4]. In recent years, Hamas has enhanced its military capabilities, developing an arsenal estimated at over 13,000 rockets and advancing drone and cyber warfare technologies. The group maintains strong regional support from Iran, Qatar, and Turkey, forming part of Iran's "axis of resistance" alongside groups like Hezbollah. Its political and military activities continue to contribute to recurring conflicts with Israel, including the large-scale October 2023 surprise attack on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people and triggered an ongoing war[3][4]. Hamas also retains significant popular support

The term **"International Community"** is often used to describe a collective of nations and organizations working together to address global challenges. However, it is not a single organization but rather a concept that encompasses various international organizations, governments, and entities that cooperate on global issues. **What It Does:** - The international community, through organizations like the United Nations (UN), works to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. - It addresses global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and human rights violations. - The framework of international law, treaties, and human rights conventions provides a foundation for cooperation among nations. **History:** - The concept of an international community gained prominence with the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, replacing the League of Nations. - Over the years, the international community has evolved to include a wide array of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). **Key Achievements:** - **Promoting Global Cooperation:** The international community has facilitated significant international cooperation, leading to landmark agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change. - **Human Rights Advancements:** Efforts by the international community have led to the establishment and enforcement of human rights standards worldwide. - **Economic Development:** Organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have played crucial roles in global economic development. **Current Status:** - The international community continues to face challenges such as global health crises, economic instability, and conflict resolution. - Despite these challenges, it remains a vital framework for addressing shared global problems. **Notable Aspects:** - **Shared Vision:** The international community is united by a shared vision of a better world, as outlined in the UN Charter. - **Global Governance:** It provides a system of governance that allows nations to work together on issues beyond their individual capacities. - **NGO and IGO Involvement:** NGOs and IGOs play significant roles in implementing and supporting international community initiatives.